An entire issue of the magazine Náyades is devoted to the history of aviation in the Region of Murcia

On Saturday 31st January at 12.00 a special presentation is being held at the Aeronautical Museum in Los Alcázares to showcase issue nº 19 of the magazine Náyades, which contains a monograph devoted entirely to the history of aviation in the Region of Murcia.

The skies over Los Alcázares may be quiet these days, particularly since the closure to passenger flights of the nearby airport in San Javier, but 100 years ago the town was at the forefront of Spanish aviation pioneering.

In 1916 the first military seaplane base in Spain was opened here, and over the following decades this was one of the most important installations of its kind in Europe, both from a military point of view and in the world of aviation.

The base was created in 1915 and was, along with the burgeoning tourism activity, a vital factor in the growth of the town in the early 20th century as personnel were stationed and civilian workers migrated to Los Alcázares in order to find employment. It was a strategically important centre during the Spanish Civil War (1936-39) and subsequently, but of course in the second half of the century its importance waned and seaplane or hydroplane flights ceased many years ago.

However, the buildings and facilities still remain at the southern edge of the town, and free guided tours are sometimes offered, during which insights can be gained into how the facility worked and the impact it had on the town. Also included are stories about some of Spain’s most important aviators, including Ramón Franco, brother of the man who was Spain’s dictator for decades although he never lived to see it – who lost his life while on a bombing mission during the Civil War, before Francisco Franco emerged the victor in the conflict.

 

For more local information in English including news, what’s on and visiting advice, contact the tourist offices in Los Alcázares (main telephone number 968 575756) or go to the home page of Los Alcázares Today.

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